Wolf Weekly Wrap-Up

65 Representatives Sign Letter to Secretary Jewell Urging Her to Abandon Gray Wolf Delisting Proposal… Has Yours? Representative Peter DeFazio has authored a letter toSecretary of the Interior Sally Jewell requesting that she withdraw the current wolf delisting proposal. This letter comes in response to the unanimous conclusion from an independent panel of expert scientists who said the Service did not use the best available science in their delisting proposal. Already, 65representatives have signed the letter, and today is the last day we can ask for additional signers. You can help by calling your representative today!

Washington’s Wolf Population Remains Stable: Last week, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) released the official annual count of gray wolves living in Washington state which showed only a tiny increase from the previous year. The year’s count tallied a minimum of 52 wolves in the state, which is only one more wolf than reported in the 2012 count. The count also tallied five successful breeding pairs, but this is the same number reported in the 2012 annual count. The count did report an increase in wolf packs, but not because there was a big increase in the population, but rather because the Smackout pack reportedly dispersed into several smaller packs.In response to these numbers, Suzanne Stone, Defenders Senior Representative for Rockies and Plains said:“The stability of Washington’s wolf population is good news, but the population is still incredibly vulnerable during these early stages of recovery in Washington and wolves have a long way still to go. It’s critical that Washington state wildlife officials focus on sustainable management strategies designed to encourage human and wolf coexistence and resist weakening important safeguards for recovering wolf packs in the state.”

Calling All Idaho Residents: March 19th Hearing on New Predation Management Plan: All Idaho residents are welcome to testify at a March 19th public hearing on Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s (IDFG) recently announced predation management plan.This plan calls for an intensive program of wolf killing in the Middle Fork Zone, which includes the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area, using paid hunters and trappers over successive years to kill up to 60 percent of the wolves living there. Just before the hearing, Defenders of Wildlife staff will provide tips on how to deliver effective testimony, and students from Timberline High School will stage a protest against Idaho’s war on wolves. Event details below:

Pre-Event Rally and Preparation:

Wednesday, March 19; 5:30 pm

MK Nature Center, 600 S Walnut St, Boise, ID 83712

Public hearing:

Wednesday, March 19; 7:00 pm

Washington Group Plaza, Main Auditorium (entrance at fountain)

720 East Park Blvd., Boise, ID 83712

New Science Shows Majority of Alberta Canada’s Residents Have Favorable Attitudes Towards Wolves: It’s not all bad for wolves in North America – a recent study showed that the majority of Alberta citizens have a positive view of wolves. Researchers surveyed 555 people living in rural parts of Alberta, Canada to assess their attitudes about wolves and wolf management. 15.6% of people surveyed had negative views of wolves, whereas 33.8% had a neutral attitude. But, the majority of people surveyed – 50.6% – had a positive view of wolves.

You know…The reps in Idaho are against wolves
So, with this in mind, wouldn’t it be better to start a massive education campaign to educate people about wolves rather than to push against a bunch of politicians who will just push back harder? I am picking the educational route.

Please do not allow wholesale killing of wolves in Idaho or anywhere else on this continent. It is far too premature for them to be removed from the endangered species list. Wolves, and other apex predators, are a vital part of the ecological system. Everything is connected and affected by changes in any part of the system.

It’s an entrenched mindset, and to them, we’re the nutcases, we don’t know anything about wolves, or comprehend their lifestyles. It’s sad and disturbing. And in Idaho a lot of the Fish & Wildlife, US. Forest Service and politicians are in the same camp. Ugh! It’s an outdated mindset and approach to living in or with nature harmoniously.

We need these apex predators. Take Yellowstone National Park. With these animals they kept the moose from eating the saplings along the rivers and creeks. Thereby making new hiding places for fish and smaller animals. Which are needed for game for other animals including the wolfs! Which may help them stay within park boundaries.

It time Defenders stop codling the current administration. Calling your local reps does no good if the top either ignores or doesn’t help. Remember they appointed Secretary Jewell to her post. it’s time to get rid of Sec.Jewel.

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Today, Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced the Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act of 2016, which aims to establish a National Wildlife Corridors System to connect important habitats for native fish, wildlife and plants.